ASEAN Institute for Health Development

No. 1

Authors :

Li Y , Kong L, Hotta M, Wongkhomthong SA, Ushijima H.

Title :

Breast-feeding in Bangkok, Thailand: Current status, maternal knowledge, attitude and social support.

Source :

Pediatrics International. 41(6):648-54,1999(Dec).

Keywords :

Attitude, Breast-feeding, Maternal knowledge, Social support, Thailand

Abstract :

Background: The promotion of breast-feeding is one of the essential interventions for reduction of infant

mortality and improving infant development worldwide. The aim of the present study was to examine the

current status of infant feeding and the influences of suspected family sociodemographic characteristics

and social support as well as maternal knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in infant feeding since the

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative was launched in Thailand. Methods: A total of 221 mother-infant pairs

were randomly drawn from six health care centers in Bangkok from 20 April to 1 May 1998. Health care

staff, using a structured questionnaire, interviewed the mothers in the health care centers. Results: Most

sampled mothers believed that breast milk was the best food for their infants and knew that breast milk

had many advantages for infants, mothers and families. Ninety-five percent of mothers breast-fed their

infants up to 3 months postpartum, but the prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding was relatively low

(62.4%). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the following factors independently increased the

risk of mixed or formula feeding during the first 3 months of life: (i) mothers with a full-time job; (ii)

grandmothers and other people as the main child caretakers; (iii) mothers who did not have an antenatal

plan of exclusive breast-feeding; and (iv) newborns' non-exclusive breast-feeding in hospitals after birth.

However, the mother being a housewife, mother as the main child caretaker, an antenatal plan of exclusive

breast- feeding and exclusive breast-feeding in hospital were more likely to improve exclusive breast-

feeding. Conclusion: The preva-lence of exclusive breast-feeding was relatively low. Antenatal plans for

exclusive breast-feeding and newborn feeding type in hospital after birth may play key roles in the

duration of exclusive breast-feeding. These findings suggest the importance of strengthening implementa-

tion of the Baby-Friendly Hospital policy and prenatal health education regarding breast-feeding.